Apple Launches iOS 5 Beta 5

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Apple has had a busy weekend with releases, with the iOS 5 Beta 5, Xcode 4.2 Developer Preview 5, iTunes 10.5 Beta 5 and Apple TV Software beta 4 all being released on Saturday. Apple has shown a definite urgency to make releases available as soon as possible as shown by the weekend release date rather than waiting for a regular business day to make the release.

Developers can download the iOS 5 beta 5 at Apple’s iOS developer website. However, before applying the latest version of Apple’s test iOS, downloaders will have to first erase their devices.

Apple also recommends backing up devices using iTunes 10.5 Beta 4 through iCloud and restoring before installing the iOS 5 beta 5. However, despite the recommendation some users have reportedly been able to install beta 5 skipping the suggestions with no problem.

In late July the previous beta version of iOS made its way to developers as both a download and an over the air update, bringing with it Wi-Fi syncing for Windows users.

The Wi-Fi syncing allows users to synchronize their iOS device with their iTunes library minus the cord plugged into a power source.

Apple launches several beta versions of its major software releases to developers ahead of time so that it can work out bugs and to give it enough time to integrate new features and APIs into the applications.

iOS 5, debuted in June at Apple`s Worldwide Developers Conference. It also features an overhaul of the notifications system and the iMessage, a new messaging platform that lets iOS users text and chat with each other with no fee.

The software is also highly connected to iCloud, the Apple`s service to ferry photos, applications and settings back and forth between iOS devices.